Well, I've stumbled on few more pictures you might find interesting, showing rikishi in the way most of us isn't used to seeing them. All pictures are from Sumo magazine, kindly scanned and sent to me by Hahanoyama-zeki. On with the show!

This one is for Onnagumo-zeki, and any other Forum members who have an especially soft spot for K'waka. The picture was taken during winter 1999/2000 Okinawa jungyo. That's K'waka's son in his lap, his wife on his right. Careful observes may notice Hayateumi on the top right, dozing beside his akeni (luggage).

I hope you recognise this dashing young fellow. Yes, Asashoryu, in Mongolian-sumo dress I believe.

And couple Mongolians more. This picture was taken in 1992. I have no idea who the one on the right is, but the other two are Kyokutenho and Kyokushuzan, as shindeshi (newly entered pro sumo).

More shindeshi! Can you recognise these three valiant Makushita-tsukedashi (ex university yokozuna enter sumo at higher rank than usual)?

Did you know Hamanoshima loves fishing? Here he is, with a fine catch, and his hair down... looking incredibly handsome, if I might add... (Happy...)

And in the end, Akinoshima, *smiling*! I apologise for exposing you tothis repulsive spectacle... (Sarcasm...)

I might grace this thread with more pictures unless begged to stop. Be warned! :D

Without education, we are in a horrible and deadly danger of taking educated people seriously.

As promised, more pictures, from Sumo magazine, and NHK sumo magazine, all scans recieved from Hahanoyama-zeki.

First, a Konishiki series, for all his fans out there. On the first picture you see young Konishiki with current Azumazeki-oyakata in his active rikishi days (notice the mage). Following three are self-explanatory.

Next is Akebono's last dohyo-iri (ring enetering ceremony), from his danpatsu-shiki (hair-cutting ceremony when rikishi retires). That's Ake's son in gyoji's lap.

And finally, more BW amateurs pictures. Since I'm not sure who everybody on the second picture is, I've left the text for those interested. On the top picture are current Tochinonada, Kaiho and Kotomitsuki. Strange, I never thought of them as more or less same generation...

More to come! :D

Without education, we are in a horrible and deadly danger of taking educated people seriously.

And couple Mongolians more. This picture was taken in 1992. I have no idea who the one on the right is, but the other two are Kyokutenho and Kyokushuzan, as shindeshi (newly entered pro sumo).

The third one is Kyokutenzan, who is still in Makushita, but is thought to be the most strong-willed of the three. They came in together, and there is a famous story-at one point Shuuzan and Tenhou decided they had had enough and decided to leave Sumo. I think they even returned to Mongolia... Kyokutenzan persuaded them to return. He is currently ranked at Makushita East 55 after a couple of poor Bashos. Highest rank-Makushita 16. He looks extremely young today for his age- 29.

What do you get when you cross an insomniac, an agnostic and a dyslexic?

A guy who is up all night arguing with himself over whether or not there is a dog.

Just to prove that some men look better when they get older, here's Kotozakura, current Sadogatake-oyakata.

Speaking of former yokozuna, here's Hanada Masaru(?), former Wakanohana, trying for a career in american football (didn't last, did it?).

And more yokozuna, playing golf:

But not only yokozuna play golf... Tochinonada, Oginishiki and Higonoumi, if I'm not mistaken.

Another dohyo-matsuri image.

Chiyotaikai, practicing violin. :D

Lower ranked rikishi waiting their turn. Sign says 'Toilets'... This is taken from a site of some professional photographer, so I'm probably breaking all sorts of copyrights, but it's such a good picture.

Mitoizumi doing what he does the best:

See you again next week!

Without education, we are in a horrible and deadly danger of taking educated people seriously.